Dénouement

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

"Good morning, sir," a twenty year old Ginny said, stepping out of Dumbledore's fireplace.

"Good morning to you, Miss Weasley, Mr. Malfoy," he added as Draco followed at Ginny's heels.

"You wanted to meet with us, sir?" Draco asked, bowing to his former Headmaster.

"Yes… I think it is time I filled you in on something you've been wondering for a long time."

Ginny glanced at Draco, who was glancing at her. They both sat down in front of Dumbledore's massive desk.

"A few years ago, when you were both still at Hogwarts, I believe you discovered something that… led you to be together."

Draco nodded, and Ginny moved closer to the edge of her seat.

"As you may know, the Order has recently been reading through some records we found in Death Eaters' possessions. I think it will be easer if I just let you read this." Dumbledore laid a yellowed roll of parchment in front of them. Draco carefully unrolled it, and Ginny dutifully held down her edge of the paper. They both leaned closer and began to read.

Imminent birth of Draco Xavier Malfoy

(First son of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black Malfoy)

Lucius' son will someday be an enormous part of Lord Voldemort's plans. But he will only be useful when intimately connected to another, yet to be conceived. To unite the last of the pureblood families under Lord Voldemort's power, Draco must unite with the first girl born into the Weasley clan in several generations. To this end, Lord Voldemort will offer a gift on the traditional gift-giving day. This gift will manifest itself in exactly fifteen years time.

Draco and Ginny looked up at about the same moment, sharing a look of bewilderment.

Dumbledore spoke first, "We have found no record like this specific to Ginny, but we can safely assume that Voldemort carried out this plan."

"The traditional gift-giving day is one day after a baby is born?" Draco asked.

"Yes, it has been done this way for centuries."

Ginny still sat silently, apparently finding something quite interesting on the ceiling.

"Sir, trust me when I say that I have forsaken my father and his beliefs," Draco said, looking earnestly into clear blue eyes.

"I trust you, Draco," Dumbledore placed a wrinkly hand on an elegant, pale one.

"Voldemort's scheme didn't work exactly as he planned."

"But you did find love," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Now go enjoy it. I just wanted you to know the truth."

"Thank you, sir. I think it will take us a while to fully digest."

"Quite understandable." Dumbledore stood, and Ginny and Draco mimicked. "Take care of yourselves."

"We will, sir," Draco bowed gracefully and picked up a handful of floo powder.

Ginny followed him. As she stepped into the fireplace she said, "Goodbye, Headmaster."

…………………………...

Ginny and Draco returned to the flat they shared, The Inglenook. Draco could technically afford a mansion, but they had chosen to share a small place together. Ginny went and collapsed onto the couch, while Draco walked towards the kitchen.

"Shall I cook something for our lunch with Alistair and Bianca?" he called to Ginny.

Silence. "Draco?"

"Yes?" Draco now stood in the doorway to the living room, looking a little concerned.

"Was I stupid to fall into Voldemort's trap?"

Draco was now at Ginny's side, ready to console her through any problems she might be having.

"I do love you, Draco. It just bothers me that I fell in love so easily, because of some plan of the Dark Lord's."

"And it happened to you twice, didn't it love?"

Ginny stared hard at Draco. "Yes, it did."

"Perhaps it was part of his master plan to instill in you a love of bad boys when you were twelve years old," Draco whispered in her ear.

"Poor little me," Ginny said softly. Draco was making her feel better already. He sweetly kissed her hand which he held in his own. Moved to her neck. Quickly found the corner of her mouth. Passionately kissed her lips.

Later that night, Ginny put a slip of paper that read Voldemort into what she had once called her Gratitude Box. A smile forced itself onto her face- she did appreciate irony in her life.

……………………………..

Look "Inglenook" up on the fan fiction dictionary if you're wondering.

Final A/N: I can't hardly believe it! I'm finally done. Of course, it didn't really turn out exactly how I expected it to… but I think I can live with it. I'll probably go back and edit the whole story sooner or later. Thanks again to all of my reviewers! I really could not have done it (or even wanted to) without you. If anyone actually does like my writing, keep me on your author alerts! I already have the beginning plans to my next fic…

--Echo